Ice Age Centre

The KGB Cells Museum, known as the "Grey House", is a historical museum in Tartu, where the NKVD/KGB was located in the 1940s and 1950s. The basement of the building, where the cells were located, is open to visitors. Several cells, the punishment cells, and the basement corridor have been restored to their historical form. The prison cells are filled with an exhibition that provides an overview of Estonia's post-war struggle for freedom and the crimes of the communist regime. Here you can see photographs and objects from Siberian prison camps, as well as materials on the history of the Forest Brotherhood and secret resistance organizations. Step into history and experience the meaning of freedom!

Discover the gems of South Estonia: Taevaskoja and Põlva! If you wish to spend a day filled with the beauty of nature, local flavors, and inspiring encounters, try the Babelhouse day trip starting from Tartu to Southern Estonia. One of the highlights of the tour is a walk on the famous Taevaskoja hiking trail, where mighty sandstone cliffs, mysterious caves, and the flowing Ahja River create a stunning landscape. After exploring nature, the small town of Põlva awaits, surprising you with its charm. There, you'll have the opportunity to meet local small business owners and hear their stories. Transportation from Tartu and back is included in the tour price. Babelhouse tours are flexible and tailored to meet the group's wishes and time constraints. During the tour, you can purchase local souvenirs. The Taevaskoja and Põlva tour is ideal for culture enthusiasts, foreign guests, and groups of friends who wish to experience the beauty of nature together, as well as for pre- and post-conference programs. Book the trip and spend a wonderful day in Southern Estonia!

Fairytale Alatskivi Castle awaits visitors in South Estonia, about 40 km from Tartu. In the castle, you travel back in time to the 19th century, get acquainted with the life of a noble family and the manor's daily routine, and meet the servants who worked here a hundred years ago, brought to life with wax figures in the basement. Castle guides share captivating stories, and visitors can create a personal souvenir in the ceramic workshop. Allocate at least 1.5 hours to explore the exhibition, which spans three floors. On the castle's third floor is the museum of composer Eduard Tubin, which presents the life and works of one of Estonia's most famous musicians. The former carriage-horse stable next to the castle offers insight into the manor's management and daily operations. Alatskivi Castle is part of the Onion Route, which can also be explored through the bright yellow National Geographic windows. Stroll in the castle park, enjoy nature on the Alatskivi hiking trail, stay in romantic castle suites, and taste local dishes at the castle restaurant.

The Tartu Art Museum is located in one of the most special buildings in the Town Hall Square – the leaning house of Tartu. This prominent building, built in 1793, leans 5.8 degrees, which is even more than Italy's famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Tartu Art Museum is the heart of Estonian contemporary art, showcasing 20th and 21st-century art, modern themes, and creative thinking. Here are the works of Estonia's top artists as well as exhibitions featuring international artists. The museum builds bridges between the past and present, addressing important societal issues and providing a thought-provoking experience to visitors of all ages. The museum also hosts guided tours, virtual tours, and workshops that make the art experience even more meaningful and vibrant. The building also houses a museum shop where art books, work by local artists, and souvenirs can be found. Tartu Art Museum is an ideal place to visit for both art enthusiasts and those who want to enjoy beautiful architecture and an inspirational environment. Walk in, and see what's on display right now!

Tartu City Museum invites you to explore the city's diverse history and cultural heritage. The permanent exhibition, "Our Tartu," introduces the districts of Tartu, telling stories about the people of Tartu, their lives, and everyday habits. The exhibition provides insight into what makes each district in Tartu special, as each district has its own personality, as shared by local people. Visitors can also enjoy temporary exhibitions that introduce new topics and artistic perspectives. These exhibitions reveal different facets of Tartu, ranging from the city's architecture and social life to contemporary cultural phenomena. The museum offers guided tours and city tours, during which guides take participants on exciting journeys through Tartu's districts. These excursions are suitable for both local enthusiasts and visitors who wish to learn more about Tartu. The museum's premises can also be rented for various events. Come experience the story of Tartu through its people, places, and memories.

The historical Palamuse Parish Schoolhouse is now open to visitors as it was seen in 1895. There, you will find the classroom and the living rooms of the parish clerk, known from the movie Kevade. The heart of the museum is located in the freshly completed main building, where you will also find a classroom and a workshop. The main exhibition of the main building is meant for the whole family, reflecting the history of the Estonian parish schools through Kevade. The text introducing the entire building seems to have been written by the character Toots from the movie: you can learn to play the violin, catch Lati Pac, and see what Toots was hiding in his pockets! You can also learn how the movie Kevade was made and how it affected the Estonian culture.

What is special about the University of Tartu and where does the spirit of the university manifest itself?The University of Tartu Museum introduces the history of science and university education from the 17th century to the present day and tells the exciting story of Tartu Cathedral.The seven floors of the museum offer the following:- the most precious treasures of the University of Tartu in the Treasury- the spirit of Tartu and the university at the exhibition The University of Our Lives- an exhibition of the gifts made to the university in the White Hall- a good luck formula in the physics office of Georg Friedrich Parrot- Crazy Scientist's office for children interested in scienceIn addition, temporary exhibitions and viewing platforms are open in the summer!See you at Toome Hill!

The Musical Instruments Museum has more than 3,000 exhibits, which include various musical instruments, as well as other exciting things from other fields. For example, in addition to musical instruments, you can see and explore speakers, microphones, amplifiers, and effects units from different eras. We also have turntables, tape recorders, transistors, telephones, and much more.Organising various concerts has also become a tradition in the Musical Instruments Museum.We also offer a guided tour of the museum!See you soon!